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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

I can't believe I did it!(Yes that is my congratulatory pat on my own back).

I'm putting my feet up and my needle down.

What a crazy year! What have I learned from completing a 365 daily project?

If you do not water your plants for a few weeks they will die.

Laundry does not fold it self.I

If you don't sweep and wash floors for a prolonged period of time you husband will take notice.

Sitting on a sofa sewing for 6 hours is not exercise. (back to the gym tomorrow? who am I kidding ... next week...)

My husband was right and there was no way I needed as much fabric as I've been collecting. (I can't believe how much remains... )

If you live in a house where someone is hand sewing every day you are bound to step on a needle (sorry guys!).

If you work until late in the evening and only allow yourself a few hours sleep you will get burnt out and sick (and no one will feel sorry for you because what rational person would ever choose to embroider every day for a year?).

I am not the only one who is still has a crush on Emilio Estevez.

My parents always complained I never stuck with anything... and guess what... I did.

That there is actually 366 days in 2012 but guess what? I had two day 97's (brain freeze... what can I say... there is NO way I am going back to renumber them all... gotta cut a girl some slack).

If you work at something every day you get pretty good at what you`re doing!

So what's next?

I am very excited to announce that the work featured during the 365 are going to be available as prints! I am hoping to get a few up and listed by the end of the week in the Etsy shop.

Lots of new embroidery patterns from the 365 are coming soon too for you all that need to get your craft on!

The Impresario Gallery is hosting a gala opening of the 365 Lucky Days show in Cobourg, Ontario this Friday 3-6pm all is welcome, if you are around I would love to see you there! The show is open until the end of September.

I want to take this opportunity to announce my availability as a freelance illustrator. This is the work I enjoy most and now that the 365 is completed my schedule just opened up!

If anyone is looking for illustration work done with a needle and thread, I am an extremely
dedicated artist with an excellent work ethic (another well deserved pat
on the back ). You can contact me here!

But for now I am going to make myself a cup of tea. Get in my PJ's and reflect on what a great year I had.

Thank you everyone for your support. I couldn't have done it without you!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have the 2 greatest girls. And the best husband a gal could ever want.

This project has been hard on my guy. Sewing every night, stressing about emails and deadlines, complaining about not having any time. My boy has heard and seen it all this year. I know he thought this project was crazy but he supported me from beginning to end.

This is a big shout-out to my best friend and husband Ben. I love you more and more everyday and I can never thank you enough for your encouragement and patience.

You might recognize this beautiful girl from past embroideries. Ellie is all kinds of fabulous. Gorgeous, wicked smart, sharp witted with confidence that could rival Kayne West, Ellie is the kind of girl I always wanted to be. She has plans of being a famous performer when she grows up and I don't doubt that she will become whatever she puts her mind to ( I am thinking a doctor moonlighting as a pop star! ). I love you Ellie and I thank you for being such an amazing kid.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Claire is the funniest kid you'll ever meet. She has been hamming it up ever since she was in a high chair and would roll her eyes for a laugh. She has lent her beautiful mug for many portraits during the 365, wearing masks that itched her face, capes that didn't actually make her fly, and for a measly two dollars a portrait and an ice cream cone at the local dairy.

I love you Claire Bear and thank you so much for being such a fun and happy little girl. Thank you for being so patient with Mommy sewing.

I love you!

This is an instagram photo I took of Claire as we were
patiently waiting in a very long line for Cotton Candy at the fair. I
dare you not to laugh.

In Peterborough we had the coolest little indie bookstore "Speak Volumes". This is where I first came across Jenny Hart's "Stitch-it Kit" in all its polka dot glory. I had that kit for some time before I actually opened it.

I thought that embroidery was going to have all these rules (not a big fan of rules myself). I thought that it was going to be frustrating and hard. But Jenny has a way of making embroidery so accessible, easy and fun. That was it. I started stitching and I haven't stopped.

I started this journey years ago when my husband Ben entered me in an art show. I had nothing for the show but he knew this was something I was meant to to. He simply told me I had better get started making art and I did. After that show surrounded with all this new work I came across Craftster which led me to Etsy.

I opened my shop and listed all my new work and that day I received my first sale. This was all the affirmation I needed. This handmade life was for me.

I have since closed my freshman shop and opened my Lucky Jackson shop, focusing on making fun, happy art. I am such a lucky girl to be able to do what I love.

I want to give a shout out to Rob Kalin the founder of Etsy and all of the Etsy team who have made it possible for so many of us to live our dreams.